Brent crude slid to around $106 per barrel on Friday in a likely technical correction, but was still set to end the week sharply higher as the escalating conflict between the US and Iran fueled concerns over prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies.

Top US officials reportedly warned President Donald Trump that the war could continue through the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2029.

Meanwhile, Iranian leaders are reportedly determined to continue fighting despite mounting economic costs, viewing the conflict as an existential threat.

They also claim that Tehran has managed to rebuild its missile capabilities and could intensify attacks on US and Gulf assets if Washington escalates its own strikes.

Fighting has intensified over the past two weeks, with the US targeting Iranian oil tankers while Iran launched missiles at US warships and tankers in the Persian Gulf, as well as American assets in neighboring countries.

Businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has shared a picture of his old business card from his early days as a photocopier salesman, recalling the lessons that shaped his approach to business and made him resilient.

Elumelu shared the photograph on his X handle on Thursday, saying he stumbled upon the card and was reminded of his days as a “young, hungry sales rep.”

The old card identifies Elumelu as a Sales Executive with Precissa Sales Limited, with the company’s address listed as Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Reflecting on the period, Elumelu said the experience taught him “the fundamentals of resilience, negotiation, and grit,” lessons he said have continued to influence how he approaches business and engages with customers.

He wrote: “It’s also a reminder that who you become tomorrow is often shaped by the foundation you lay today; the discipline, hard work, and consistency you put in when no one is watching.”

Elumelu urged people, particularly those building their careers and businesses, to remain consistent and committed to learning. “Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep executing,” he said.

He ended the post with a light-hearted reference to the details on the old card, saying: “As for the phone number and address on the card? Long gone 😂”

Brent crude traded around $101 per barrel on Thursday, hovering at its highest level since May as the intensifying conflict between the US and Iran raised concerns over further disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East.

Iran said it was ready for a more intense conflict, vowing to resist the US naval blockade and warning that it would intensify its attacks if American forces continued strikes on Iranian territory.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump predicted that the conflict would not end until after the November midterm elections and said significant relief in gasoline prices was unlikely before then, signaling limited prospects for near-term de-escalation. 

Hostilities intensified over the past week following roughly a month of relative calm, with both sides stepping up attacks.

The conflict broadened after Iran-backed Houthi militants attacked several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, prompting a temporary suspension of some operations.